Congratulations! You made it! You survived and excelled in your student teaching. You are now a science teacher! If you would, take a few minutes to share your wisdom about how to negotiate this difficult year with the students who are following in your footsteps by answering the following questions.
a. What are some things students should do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly?
If I had to give wisdom to someone entering the student teaching program, I would say to get involved as soon as possible. I would suggest not treating your Fall 'observations' as typical observations. I suggest going as much as possible and really getting used to the students and the school policies and procedures. It is also good to get some practice talking to the students. I would say my biggest problem was adjusting to the classes and getting to know the students. I also would have liked to have had more practice giving instruction to students and trying atleast parts of lessons out. Before student teaching, we don't have any oportunities to play out a lesson and determine what works and doesn't work for us. Since we can't change the Education program, I'd suggest being actively involved in the class as soon as you arrive in The fall before student teaching. It makes life all that much easier in the spring.
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching?
It would be a good idea to create a good and thurough unit plan. you can use this for your spring teaching. Use your CT for resources. Other than that, I'd start working on classroom management to get used to it and to start getting used to addressing your students.
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have been better prepared for student teaching if I had ...."
spent more time in my practicum getting used to the students and the classroom.
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?
Take initiative early. The more the CT sees that you are confident in what you are doing and that they can be comfortable leaving you, the sooner they will leave you to the class on your own. This is great for getting your students used to seeing you as an authority figure and helps in classroom management.
a. What are some things students should do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly?
If I had to give wisdom to someone entering the student teaching program, I would say to get involved as soon as possible. I would suggest not treating your Fall 'observations' as typical observations. I suggest going as much as possible and really getting used to the students and the school policies and procedures. It is also good to get some practice talking to the students. I would say my biggest problem was adjusting to the classes and getting to know the students. I also would have liked to have had more practice giving instruction to students and trying atleast parts of lessons out. Before student teaching, we don't have any oportunities to play out a lesson and determine what works and doesn't work for us. Since we can't change the Education program, I'd suggest being actively involved in the class as soon as you arrive in The fall before student teaching. It makes life all that much easier in the spring.
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching?
It would be a good idea to create a good and thurough unit plan. you can use this for your spring teaching. Use your CT for resources. Other than that, I'd start working on classroom management to get used to it and to start getting used to addressing your students.
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have been better prepared for student teaching if I had ...."
spent more time in my practicum getting used to the students and the classroom.
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?
Take initiative early. The more the CT sees that you are confident in what you are doing and that they can be comfortable leaving you, the sooner they will leave you to the class on your own. This is great for getting your students used to seeing you as an authority figure and helps in classroom management.